Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio commemorated Japan and Israel on the 70^th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, according to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo.

On May 5, Kishida delivered a congratulatory video message at a reception hosted by Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, “on the occasion of the 74th anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel.”

A number of heads of state and government leaders, including US President Joe Biden, also sent messages of congratulations to the same reception, the ministry said.

In his message, Kishida said: “We are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. I am determined to lift Japan-Israel relations to a new height and contribute toward the realization of Middle East Peace. I wish further progress and prosperity for Israel and great happiness for the people of Israel.”

On May 11, veteran American-Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was fatally shot in the occupied West Bank.

The Al-Jazeera reporter’s death has caused international outrage and the Qatar-based media outlet claims Israeli military forces killed Abu Akleh during raids in the West Bank city of Jenin.

Other journalists on the site of the shooting said Israeli soldiers killed Abu Akleh “in cold blood.”

Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi said: “At this stage, we cannot determine by whose fire she was harmed and we regret her death.”